LeadingAge Illinois recognizes three staff at King-Bruwaert House

CEO Terri Bowen, Nursing Shift Supervisor Vivian Salvador and Director of Development Michael Trench of King-Bruwaert House (KBH) in Burr Ridge were presented with individual 2022 LeadingAge-Illinois Honoring Excellence Awards during the organization’s annual meeting and exposition held May 17-18, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center.

Bowen received the Leadership in Action Award that recognizes an individual whose actions and leadership enhance the work environment through a collaborative style that creates trusting, respectful, and team-focused relationships. Salvador received the Heart and Hands Management Award for demonstrating exceptional person-centered care and recognizing opportunities to enhance quality of life for residents by responding to their needs, interests, and values. Trench was presented with the Strive and Thrive Award for demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to excellence through innovative and creative thinking and gift planning that provided direct benefit to residents and to the organization.

Bowen joined KBH in 2014 and has been responsible for leading several major construction projects that have resulted in the steady progress and improvement of the historic retirement community. In working with the Board of Directors, management and department teams, while also hosting meetings, resident/community focus groups plus connecting with local businesses and senior-focused organizations, Bowen was able to assess the need for changes, evaluate existing programs and plan for new or improved care and services. During her 8-year tenure, Bowen has overseen a kitchen renovation project, Front Entrance expansion, the addition of a new Bistro, two remodeled Assisted Living care units, the recent start of a complete reconstructed skilled nursing wing, and preliminary project plans for The Gardens of King-Bruwaert House luxury apartment homes that will be started later this year with tentative completion in late 2023.

Bowen also serves as a strong mentor and motivator by encouraging staff to advance their knowledge and strive for new, expanded professional goals. She supports employee efforts to pursue additional training, certifications, higher education and targeted studies. Bowen has also been an effective communicator by sharing weekly updated information about projects, healthcare news, and regulatory reports with residents, staff, and family members. In addition, she works closely with other senior living leaders and connects with local village and senior-focused organizations that enhance the care and services of older adults.

KBH welcomed Salvador as a registered nurse in 2010 and she was soon promoted to Shift Supervisor. She has consistently demonstrated professionalism in her position and has served as an excellent role model for those working with her. She has been recognized for being calming, sympathetic and sensitive to residents and their families, offering reassurance and comfort for those receiving 24-hour, 7-day weekly nursing care.

In 2017, Salvador accepted the additional position of Nurse Supervisor for the newly created K-B Nursing at Home program, providing at-home nursing care for KBH independent living residents. Working with physicians, nurses, and professional consultants, she assisted with post-surgical or chronic illness management for the convenience of residents who did not want to leave the comforts of their homes for ongoing medical care.

Salvador is also recognized for her exceptional communication with families to share medical updates relating to residents. She also embraces a collaborative approach with fellow staff members by encouraging teamwork and a cohesive spirit. She has earned a reputation for honest, trust-driven relationships that inspire others to offer the finest care possible.

Trench started working at KBH in late 2019 at a time when no one knew COVID-19 was about to change the world. After devoting many initial hours to meetings with staff, residents, Board members, and community members, he was comfortable in creating a strong partnership with existing and potential donors to ensure they would feel part of future projects, plans, changes and expectations.

In March, 2020, Trench created a COVID-19 Response Fund that allowed donors to contribute funds to help underwrite costs associated with the purchase of gowns, masks, gloves, eye goggles, hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies when the pandemic began. The new fund generated an immediate response, providing support for our organization during a very challenging time.

Trench also created new opportunities for donors to contribute to purposes appealing to their interests. He identified projects, equipment needs, programs, activities and enhancements that brought in additional contributions from people who helped to underwrite programs to benefit the community.

During the pandemic, Trench, who holds a master’s degree in theology and church history, also stepped in to offer pastoral services to assist and support KBH’s part-time chaplain. He went above and beyond his normal duties to ensure individual spiritual needs would be a top priority.

Trench also took the initiative to improve existing Development technology associated with our charitable program. He was able to acquire and implement web-based fundraising software that established a donor database and improved donation tracking, as well as analytical metrics. In addition, he helped to redesign the KBH Charitable Support website page to create donation options, as well as ease of transactions.

“We are very proud of Terri Bowen, Vivian Salvador and Michael Trench for being recognized with these prestigious LeadingAge-Illinois Awards,” said Andy Beltz, Senior Director of Marketing and External Relations. “They have all been truly outstanding in their professional roles - leading our organization, supporting residents and staff, and doing everything possible to make our community better all the time. These awards point to their professionalism, dedication and commitment to KBH as they shine in the senior care industry.”

LeadingAge also presented awards in several other categories during the presentation ceremony during which short videos were shown of the individuals who were recognized in the Illinois and neighboring region.